Liverpool are set to launch an appeal against the red card shown to Curtis Jones during Saturday’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, The Athletic reports.
The 22-year-old was sent off midway through the first half of the North London clash despite initially being shown a yellow card.
Jones was handed his marching orders after a horror shin-high tackle on Yves Bissouma – a challenge that drew an audible gasp from the home crowd when it was replayed on the big screen.
Liverpool’s stance on the matter appears to differ from that of the match officials, as they are determined to have the decision overturned.
A VAR review led to the on-field referee’s initial booking being upgraded to a red card, meaning that the Liverpool midfielder now faces a three-match suspension.
Opinions on the decision from the match officials have been divided, but we believe Jones’ tackle was deserving of the subsequent sending-off.
The England international could miss Liverpool’s next three fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, and Nottingham Forest.
However, he should be available for Liverpool’s home clash against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League, as the ban only applies to domestic competitions.
An independent panel will evaluate the situation, and if the decision doesn’t go Liverpool’s way, Jones’ ban could be extended to four games.
It would result in him missing next month’s League Cup clash against Bournemouth, in addition to the upcoming three fixtures.
In our view, considering the nature of Jones’ challenge and the lack of merit in Liverpool’s appeal, it appears more likely that the extended ban will be enforced.
Liverpool’s appeal might be motivated by their belief that the images shown to referee Simon Hooper on the pitch-side monitor did not adhere to VAR protocol.
Liverpool will also be without Diogo Jota for next weekend’s trip to the South Coast, with the Portugal international dismissed for two bookable offences in a 23-second span.
Jurgen Klopp was not too pleased with the officiating in the Tottenham fixture and characteristically made his feelings known in a post-match rant.
